ORIGINAL: tfowen53
Go to a club? The closest club here in Dawsonville GA charges $250.00. Thats a lot just to see if you like the hobby. The club I started learning to fly with when I was stationed in Germany was $60.00. I think that around here they just don't want any new folks in the hobby unless you have lot of $$$.
Most clubs do have trainers available, if not I am sure he could have at least met someone (Club Trainer) that would have let him buddy box without having to pay dues first. The majority of people in this hobby want to help people into it, not take $ out of their wallet.